Safety scheme to replace M32 central reservation barrier in Bristol
A scheme to improve safety on the M32 Eastville Viaduct in Bristol will start next week.
An 11-week programme of work starts on Monday 20 March to replace the sub-standard corrugated central reservation barrier with a concrete steel barrier, making journeys safer for thousands of motorists who use the route on a daily basis.
The work to deliver the scheme will be carried out overnight, in phases, with different sections of the M32 closed at different times.
Highways England asset delivery manager Julian Strong said:
The current barrier has reached the end of its serviceable life, having been in situ since the viaduct was built in the 1970s.
We are now taking steps to replace it with a durable concrete barrier which will improve safety for all users of the M32 and require less overall maintenance moving forward.
During the work we ask drivers to plan their journeys and to allow extra time.
Much of the work will be undertaken from the southbound carriageway – under overnight closures. For the most part the northbound carriageway will remain open, with narrow lanes installed for traffic management, but there will be occasional overnight northbound closures too.
The first tranche of work will see overnight closures of the north and southbound carriageways at various points between junctions 1 (Hambrook), 2 (Fishponds) and 3 (Bristol City Centre), from 8pm to 6am, Monday to Friday only.
Thereafter the majority of the closures will affect the southbound carriageway in various sections and during the daytime, narrow lanes and 40mph restrictions will be in place both northbound and southbound. Fully signed diversions will be in place when the road is closed, and drivers are encouraged to check www.trafficengland.com for real time updates on the closures.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.